Nursing Home Puts Favorites In Spotlight

February 9, 1986

A new Mr. and Mrs. America reign over Oakwood Nursing Center in Eustis. Luther Martin, 75, and Edna Testrake, 78, were crowned last week before a crowd of 100.

The winners will take the starring roles on the nursing center's parade float in the George Washington's Birthday Festival this weekend, where they will portray George and Martha Washington. First runner-up Mary Brown, 80, will join the couple playing the role of Betsy Ross. ''George and Martha take Betsy to the circus,'' is the float theme.

Master of ceremonies was Oakwood administrator Al Robbins, who asked contestants to tell the audience about the happiest time of their lives. Martin drew laughter and applause from the crowd with his reply that just last month he caught a ''30-foot'' fish.

The pageant is just one of the monthly major social events scheduled at the center.